RETURN FROM ABROAD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23354, 20 November 1937, Page 12

RETURN FROM ABROAD

MR ARTHUR BARNETT CHANGE IN DRAPERY TRADE (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, Nov. 19. “There has been an extraordinary change in the drapery business throughout the world during the past few years,” said Mr Arthur Barnett, of Dunedin, who returned by the Strathmore from an extended tour abroad. “ Drapery,” he said, “ has been affected perhaps more than any other business by the extension of department stores to such an extent that stores dealing solely in drapery and clothing have become non-existent in most places.” London still retained a limited number of drapery stores, Mr Barnett said, and they were extremely attractive business houses. New Zealand, too, had few businesses that were limited to drapery, but the modern trend was toward stores in which drapery was but one of an extensive range of separate departments. Business conditions abroad were in a state of flux at present, Mr Barnett added. He was impressed with the extent of the brisk trade in England and Australia, but said he felt that New Zealand was receiving an ample share of the happier conditions that were prevalent throughout the world.